Acupuncture for rescue workers with post-traumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trail

Abstract Importance: Rescue workers are at high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the high-intensity nature. Efficacy of acupuncture for PTSD has been reported. However, to date, there have been no reports of acupuncture interventions for rescue workers who screen positive for acute or chronic stress. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating rescue workers who screened positive for PTSD. Design, setting, and participants: The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) were used to screen 5098 high-stress rescue workers between June and August 2022, of which 149 screening positive. Sixty participants were randomly selected and divided into two groups. The control and treatment groups received psychodynamic therapy and acupuncture treatment, respectively, once a week for 6 weeks. Participants were blinded to their own grouping. The efficacy evaluators, subjects and statistical analysts were blinded. Interventions: Weekly acupuncture or psychodynamic therapy for 6 weeks. Main outcomes and measures: Scores on the PCL-5 and the ASDS were used as primary outcomes from baseline to 6 weeks. Any adverse effects and side effects experienced during the study were recoded. Results: A total of 43 participants were enrolled (mean (P25, P75) age, 22(21, 25) years; 43 men 97.7%) underwent randomization. The demographic and baseline characteristics were balanced between groups. After 6 weeks intervention, the ASDS and total PCL-5 scores of participants in both groups reduced significantly. Compared with the control group, acupuncture group resulted in a significantly greater decrease in scores. The between-group differences were -7.87(95%CI, -15.48 to -0.26; P=0.043) in the ASD score and -8.04(95%CI, -15.63to-0.46; P=0.038) in PCL score. There were no serious adverse events. Conclusion and relevance: In this random clinical trial of rescue workers who screened positive for PTSD, acupuncture has been shown to serve as a safe and efficient early intervention. Acupuncture may be implemented before and after a disaster strikes in order to minimize mental health problems among rescue workers, and thus save as many lives as possible. Trail registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900023441.